Market Farming

[robert schuler <sunnfarm AT bellatlantic.net>]

When I use speedling type trays for transplanting in the field I always have 
a large plastic lined tray filled with water on
the wagon. I soak each tray in the water while I am planting another. Soaked 
speedlings that are well rooted slip out
effortlessly. I say well rooted because if not the tops of the plants rip off 
without any root, lettuce is notorious for
this. I always add liquid fertilizer to the water and a little Aqua gro 
"wetting agent" to make the water slippery. I also
use this method when transplanting plugs in the greenhouse... Bob.
Sunny Meadow Farm
Bridgeton, NJ.

pam AT twinoaks.org wrote:

> I sent the first part of this message earlier but it bounced, so here it is 
> again:
>
> Nan's "bed of nails" method of getting plugs out of Speedlings
> sounds interesting. Our method uses
>     a table knife, both to get the plant out and to make the planting hole.
>     Take a regular stainless steel dinner knife, stick it in the ground
>     where the plant is to grow, wiggle it from side to side and you have a
>     perfectly wedge shaped planting hole. Next, slide the knife down the
>     tapered side of one of the cells until you reach the bottom. With the
>     non-knife hand grasp the plant firmly but not crushingly around the
>     base. At the same time as you pull steadily upwards with that hand,
>     use the kinfe to flip and pop the plug upwards. With a bit of practice,
>     the plug will be lying sideways on the blade of the knife. Pop the
>     plant into the hole and firm it in.
>
> Secondly, has anyone any experience of using the Fiskars digging fork being 
> sold by Lehman's?
> <www.Lehmans.com//shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=5937&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=923&iSubCat=923&iProductID=5937>
> $29.95, tough, steel handle, oversize grip and stepping plate.
>
>         Pam Dawling, Louisa, VA, zone 6b
>
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